KEEPING YOUR CANNABIS CONSUMPTION A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE
Art By Rebekah Jenks
When it comes to cannabis consumption, it's easy to go with the fad, but it's better to go with your limits.
What is an “ideal dosage”? A meshwork of suggested THC thresholds exist; we’ve heard that THC limits for newbies should stay under 2.5 mg, while others suggest 5 to 10mg. Do any of these recommendations actually stick?
Since there are no standard dosage guides for cannabis consumers, whoever wants to try a product must be ready to do their own research. From what we already know, the cannabis experience isn’t one-size-for-all. Several factors, beyond product composition and quantity, determine how you experience a product. Thus, as the industry expands into even higher potency offerings and newer products, knowing your limits and what factors control your tolerance is essential.
CONTROLLED DOSING IS KEY
The topic of safe cannabis consumption is one already tainted by a decades-old war: the War on Drugs. The identity of cannabis as a plant with multiple benefits was repeatedly discredited through years of Reefer Madness.
Thankfully, recent open-access papers and studies are spreading the truth, with quantifiable results. Overall, research shows that cannabis is safe, with very rare chances of toxic consumption, with no records of direct fatality cases associated with cannabis use or its withdrawal - even the CDC says so.
As a result of this baseless deleterious anti-cannabis campaign and to adjust public perception, the cannabis industry needs to revise the narrative: “safe consumption” is actually just “mindful consumption.”
By changing the verbiage from “safe” to “mindful dosing” we are suggesting that consuming cannabis involves understanding your limits, finding your dose, and managing your relationship with the plant accordingly.
Art By Rebekah Jenks
SO WHAT IMPACTS MY HIGH?
Sometimes each cannabis experience can feel different — even if you’re consuming the same flower from the same stash. Why is that? Well, your cannabis experience varies due to multiple factors, not just tolerance. So, what are these factors?
Age: Children have been recorded to exhibit greater sensitivities to cannabinoids than adults due to more receptive sensory cells. While seniors are likely to need more time to get the products out of their system due to their slower metabolism.
Genetics: Genetic mutations in the EC systems of some individuals may mean they can comfortably enjoy more cannabis than experienced consumers — giving these individuals a “naturally high tolerance.”
Setting and Mood: Besides the effects of the product cultivar, a happy and comfortable setting is more likely to create stimulating experiences.
Food: Ever wonder why brownies and other sugary, high-fat sweets rose so quickly in the edibles ranks? It is because cannabinoids are high-fat-loving compounds and their effects are amplified when paired with these type of foods.
Sometimes, these factors increase the expression of cannabinoids, making us feel a bit *too stoned*. Here are some of the signs you might have consumed too much cannabis:
Your vision gets blurry.
You have an out-of-body experience.
You may see things that are not there. [rare]
You try to find connections between things that are not even connected.
You feel your heart racing, and panic and anxiety set in.
You might feel nauseous and vomit. [rare]
Despite the temporary discomfort from consuming a bit too much cannabis, the chances of experiencing anything more severe are very rare. Nonetheless, knowing your limits will help you have consistently positive experiences.
OOPS, I GOT TOO HIGH. NOW WHAT?
Even as seasoned veterans in the field, there are times we’ve all had a case of “oops, I got too high.” So, if you find yourself in this position, don’t feel embarrassed or scared. It’s temporary and it will pass with no residual effects. However, there are some ways to ensure your discomfort passes as quickly as possible:
Stay calm: Finding ways to reduce stress and maintain calm should be your first line of action when you’re too buzzed. By remaining calm, we can actively pursue other tricks to reduce our experience. Watching a calming movie, playing a soothing song, and even taking a nap are great strategies.
Hydration with calming terpenes: Many recommend a blend of limonene from lemons with water. Basically, mix lemon juice with water.
A colossal amount of CBD: Studies suggest taking large doses of CBD, or ratios of CBD to THC, such as 100 to 1 and 40 to 1, may help counteract a THC high.
Art By Rebekah Jenks
Some things to avoid when you are too high:
Beverages such as alcohol and caffeine - that iced coffee is not a good idea.
Foods rich in fatty acids - sorry, no cheeseburgers.
Small or equal doses of CBD.
TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR CANNABIS CONSUMPTION
The foundation of a positive cannabis journey is rooted in these three actions:
Listening to your body.
Noting your reactions.
Adjusting your dosage or consumption method.
However, to put these tips in action, we must be intentional with our consumption. Here’s a list of extra tips that can help any consumer effectively build a positive relationship with the plant:
For the New Cannabis Consumer
Start with small dosages and gradually work your way up. This is called titration.
Products with specific dosages, like tinctures, are easier to manage.
Edibles can be tricky because their onset time can range between 30 minutes to two hours. Be patient before taking another edible.
For the More Experienced Consumer
Never forget your cannabis journey is also about noting your experiences.
Always remember the dosages and settings that made you feel good.
Pleasure and leisure can be found in balance. Stay open to ratio products, broad-spectrum products, and full-spectrum products. Don’t focus on high THC percentages.
“Start low and go slow” should remain your mantra.
To wrap things up…
Your cannabis journey will always be a personal one. Though you can learn from others, it’s important to remember that cannabis will impact everyone differently. By remembering the mantra, “Start low and go slow,” you can consider all the aforementioned factors, take note of your experiences, and find the best dosage and product for your needs. Remember, each product breeds unique outcomes. By being intentional with your consumption and mindful of your body, positive experiences await you.